Sanitary pad with increased absorbability

ABSTRACT

A multi layered sanitary pad having a unique contoured oval shape and design for snug fit, increased absorption, comfort, obscurity and enhanced leak prevention that includes a cotton oval or elliptical shaped body made up of very thin cotton contoured oval embossed fleece layers, cotton wadding layers, cellulose/SAF/SAP layers, and cotton contoured oval weave layers. The upper surface of the sanitary pad includes a central protrusion extending longitudinally and laterally from end to end and side to side, the cross-shaped protrusion including additional cotton wadding, coupled with cellulose/SAF/SAP layers for increased absorption and leak prevention for extended wear. The top surface protrusion also is shaped and sized to slightly penetrate the vaginal opening to ensure a snug comfortable fit to increase absorption and enhance leakage prevention along with extended wear. The top surface also includes (4) recessed portions surrounding the central protrusion area, again for a snug fit, additional absorption, leakage prevention and comfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a sanitary pad for absorbing feminine menstrual discharge, and specifically to a sanitary pad having a unique shape and design to ensure a snug fit, increased absorbability, reliability from leakage, and comfort and obscurity.

2. Description of Related Art

The use of sanitary pads for absorbing feminine menstrual discharge is well known in the prior art. Billions of women throughout the world experience a monthly period producing menstrual discharge. The primary goal of a sanitary pad is to absorb the menstrual discharge in a complete, discreet and comfortable manner without embarrassing leakage or unsightly bulk. Numerous different structural sanitary pads have been disclosed and used in the prior art. Vaginal devices that absorb liquids are used that are inserted into the vagina to absorb discharge. Many women do not like using the vaginal inserts because of discomfort, hygiene and religious reasons. Sanitary pads based on their current construction mounted adjacent the labia often cannot adequately snugly fit the vaginal opening so as to ensure maximum absorption and to prevent embarrassing leakage, and virtual obscurity within the vaginal and crotch area.

The sanitary pad disclosed herein based on its structure, unique design and size, has increased absorbability, leak prevention, enhanced comfort and obscurity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A sanitary pad comprising a contoured oval shaped, elliptical body having a plurality of thin very pliant cotton layers, and said layers comprising of a cotton fleece layer, cotton wadding layer, cellulose/SAF/SAP layer, and a cotton weave layer. These layers are to be alternately thusly plied a multiplicity of times (approximately 4-5), and in varying degrees of thickness, all of which can be optionally covered with another thin cotton weave and/or gauze layer, and joined together on its outer edges. These layers shall be combined with a biodegradable cellulose/polyethylene back sheet with adhesive on its underside, and the release paper on its very bottom layer. Each pad shall have a separate pouch/wrapper for disposal.

The 4 layers comprising the upper portion, having an embossed fleece surface (top) of the sanitary pad that contacts the vaginal opening and labia has a tufted, deep dimpled surface configuration with four deep dimples forming a central convex protrusion with deep recesses on all four sides for a snug fit, comfort, and increased absorbability when the sanitary pad's top surface is in position against the vaginal opening and labia.

The shape of the contoured oval pad shall be constructed to be convex on its topside and concave on its underside for providing a unique snug and comfortable fit, and to enhance leak prevention. The contoured oval pad shall be very soft, pliant and flexible. The last bottom layer shall form a back sheet in a liquid impermeable, preferably biodegradable material, which shall be larger in size than the cotton layered portion of the pad so as to capture excess menstrual fluid, and thus enhance leak prevention.

The bottom pad cotton weave surface shall be attached to the liquid barrier sheet. This sheet shall have an adhesive underside covered by a removable release sheet that protects the adhesive until the time of use that once removed will allow the pad to be adhesively attached to the panties of the wearer.

Each sanitary pad can have a minimum of (4-5) thin layers, each layer being plied one on top of the other in a particular fashion so as make up (1) one contoured oval pad to be secured around its edge by adhesive, crimping, needle punched, or sewn. The very (top) cotton wadding layer shall be layered much thicker than the fleece and weave layers to provide a quilting or tufting of the deeply dimpled surface configuration on the top surface of the oval pad.

The sanitary pad can be constructed in different contoured oval or elliptical sizes but a standard size may be approximately 5 inches long (127 millmeters) and a small size no smaller than 3½ inches long (88.89 millimeters) can be adequately used by women and girls respectively, of different body types.

The sanitary pad is used with a pair of panties in normal use or a modest bathing suit bottom by applying of the pad in the crotch. The upper contoured oval shape of the sanitary pad fits snugly against the labia and covers the vaginal opening from the pubic mound to the anus while protruding into the vagina to ensure leakage prevention, but still maintain maximum comfort and remain obscure.

The sanitary pad's upper top surface protrusion formed by four deeply dimpled needle punched/stamped recesses is approximately ¾ to 1″ inch in height. The height can vary depending on the size of the pad and the degree of absorption desired. The pocket recesses surrounding the top central protrusion, aids in the absorption of menstrual discharge, which is further enhanced by the cellulose/SAF/SAP located directly underneath the cotton wadding layer, to provide a wicking effect and further prevent exterior leakage in conjunction with the biodegradable polyethylene liquid barrier forming the very bottom layer of the sanitary pad. The top central protruding area of the sanitary pad has a nipple-shaped center with edges that fan out to make the appearance of a cross. SAF refers to super absorbent fluff which may include a drying agent, such as cellulose or an SAP.

Each sanitary pad may be constructed using individual thin layers of cotton. An example of suitable cotton layers is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,630 (B2) FIGS. 1 and 2. In the present invention the shape of the pad shall be contoured oval or elliptical, comprising of all the individual layers of cotton being cut to the contoured oval design. Preferably the layering of the present invention would have a basic structure of the patent herein above-referenced.

It is an object of this invention to provide a sanitary pad using thin pliant cotton layers and a uniquely contoured oval shape for a snug and obscure fit, increased absorbability and reliable against leakage.

It is another object of this invention to provide a sanitary pad that is biodegradable and highly absorbent made of natural and/or organic cotton, comfortable and reliable against leakage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side elevational view of the invention in cross-section.

FIG. 3A shows a cutaway side elevational view of three layers of different cotton configurations and an absorption layer used in the device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, a sanitary pad 10 is shown comprised of a contoured oval or elliptically shaped body 12 having top or upper body surface segments 12 a, around the top surface of the sanitary pad, and a central raised portion that includes a liquid absorbing nipple shaped protrusion 12 b with longitudinal and lateral extensions 12 bb that extend end to end and side to side forming a cross shaped top protrusion. The raised areas 12 bb and center 12 b form a cross shaped protrusion and are surrounded by recesses 12 c formed on all four sides of the protrusion 12 b. The top area of the sanitary pad is made of a thin cotton contoured oval layer 12 a.

The top surfaces 12 a and 12 b and 12 bb of the pad 10 in use engage the vaginal opening and labia.

The bottom of the pad 10 includes a liquid barrier 14 that extends outwardly around the periphery of the pad body 12 as a peripheral extension that overlaps the bottom edge of pad body 12. The liquid barrier 14 is a thin sheet of liquid impervious material such as biodegradable cellulose/polyethylene to prevent leakage.

The underside bottom surface of the liquid barrier 14 has adhesive 16 deposited thereon used to attach the entire pad body to the crotch of the user's underwear. A layer of protective material 18 such as a release paper that can be removed from the adhesive 16 at the time of use protects the adhesive until time of use.

A plurality of thin cotton contoured oval layers 12 d form the body of the sanitary pad. Each of the thin cotton contoured oval layers 12 d is elliptical in shape. The top of the pad body 12 has protrusion 12 b and the protruding cross-shaped area 12 bb. The shape of the protrusion 12 bb is accentuated by four recesses 12 c which also collect fluids and liquid, increasing absorption and comfort. The top surface recesses 12 c are formed by needle punch, stamping, or crimping. The multi layers of the thin cotton contoured oval pads such as layer 12 d are joined together in a laminate also by crimping/adhesive/needle punch and are explained in detail below. The crimping/adhesive/needle punches 20 are shown by dashed lines surrounding the periphery of the sanitary pad made of the thin layers of cotton contoured oval layers joined around their peripheries by crimping/adhesive/needle punch. The thin layers can be glued or bonded together by crimping/adhesive/needle punch.

The very bottom layer of the sanitary pad includes an enlarged contoured oval that has a liquid barrier material back sheet 14 attached to the bottom of the pad body 12. The oval liquid barrier sheet 14 extends well beyond the edge of the periphery of the contoured oval sanitary pad body 12 area. This is to provide overlap to prevent leakage. Attached to one side of the liquid barrier material 14 is an adhesive 16 protected by a cover 18 that is removed at time of use so that the adhesive 16 can be used to attach the entire sanitary pad into the crotch of a pair of panties to prevent shifting or movement.

The overall construction of the sanitary pad includes the area of the protrusion 12 b formed by a contoured oval body which is formed from one or more cotton layers. Note that the interior of protrusion 12 b and 12 bb may be made of cotton wadding 40 that is stuffed in between a top thin cotton contoured oval embossed and weave layers.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the overall construction of the sanitary pad can be viewed in cross-section. The area of the protrusion 12 b central circular nipple shape is formed by semi-spherical shaped volume stuffed with cotton wadding 40 which may include one or more cotton layers like that of a very thick cotton ball, which is then needle punched/stamped in the four (4) center areas, forming a box, that is pushed down into the attached oval cotton pad forming the nipple shaped protrusion 12 b.

As shown in FIG. 3, sanitary pad 10 includes body 12 includes a central layer of cotton wadding 40 shown at central point 12 b that would taper and extend from one end to the other longitudinally and laterally. The cotton wadding 40 is thickest in the middle. The central cotton wadding 40 is surrounded by multiple layers of thin contoured oval layers 12 d.

The very bottom of the sanitary pad body 12 includes a liquid impervious layer of biodegradable cellulose/polyethylene 14 which acts and is in essence a pantiliner preventing the liquid absorbed into the pad from leaking out the bottom and periphery of the sanitary pad. The various layers of thin cotton contoured oval pads 12 d are connected around the pad periphery by adhesive/crimping/needle punch 20 as shown in FIG. 1. In an alternate embodiment, the layers could also be attached by an adhesive and heat sealed around the periphery of the pad body 12.

With the structure shown in FIG. 3, the amount of absorbency of each pad is greatly increased by having separate large internal areas with cotton wadding 40 located along the top underneath protrusion 12 b. In addition, each of the cotton pad layers which are thin contoured oval layers is made out of cotton, which can be textured to give strength, durability, and also absorb body fluid.

FIG. 3 shows the layered use of different cotton contoured oval shaped layers using the four different layers shown in FIG. 3A repetitively from bottom to top of the pad in a single pad. Also shown is a central layer of cotton wadding 40 to make the raised cross shaped protrusion 12 b on the top surface of the pad.

In FIG. 3A, typically the layers include an embossed cotton contoured oval layer 120, a thin cotton wadding contoured oval layer 122, a cellulose/SAF/SAP powder thin absorption layer 124, and a weave cotton contoured oval layer 126. This core layered pattern is repeated several times in the construction of the sanitary pad comprising of a minimum total of 16 individual layers to 24 or more individual layers. FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing not necessarily to scale to show the basic contoured oval construction of a sanitary pad that includes representations of the individual layers described above, a central protrusion 12 b, the longitudinal protrusion 12 bb, a central layer of cotton wadding 40, all having a concave base or bottom area 42 that gives the pad increased structural shape. The cotton contoured oval layers that make up the core of the pad as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A include an embossed cotton contoured oval thin layer 120, the thin contoured oval cotton wadding layer 122, a layer of cellulose/SAF/SAP 124 for absorption, and a thin cotton contoured oval weave layer 126. By using a core of thin cotton absorbent layers that is repeated again and again in the construction of the sanitary pad, the pad is highly absorbent, directing the flow downwardly towards the impervious liquid barrier to greatly increase the amount of liquid that the sanitary pad can absorb. This four layer core pattern shown in FIG. 3A is repeated from the top of the sanitary pad to the bottom of the sanitary pad. All of the cotton contoured oval layers of the pad are connected together along the periphery or outside edge of the pad preferably by adhesive/crimping/needle punch. However, all of the layers of the pad can be individually layered and then glued/crimped/needle punched together all the way around the periphery of the pad and compressed/crimped/stamped slightly to join the thin layers together.

The entire sanitary pad body 12 can include an outer cotton contoured oval weave top sheet as a covering for holding the sanitary pad body together as a unit in conjunction with the bottom surface which is a biodegradable polyethylene liquid barrier pantiliner back sheet that is joined to the outer cotton contoured oval weave to form a single integral unit. The outer cotton weave is a cotton contoured oval top sheet that itself would be comfortable when in contact with the vaginal opening and the labia, being soft and resilient and pliable.

The very bottom liquid barrier 14 prevents leakage. The barrier 14 can be contoured and oval shaped and larger in circumference with an overlapping area than the layers of cotton contoured oval pads so that the barrier 14 overlaps the outer periphery of the sanitary pad body, again to prevent leakage.

FIG. 4 shows the bottom concave side of the pad 10 which includes the barrier 14. Initially the pad bottom is covered with protective release paper or biodegradable cellulose/polyethylene cover 18 that hides adhesive 16 disposed on the outside surface of the liquid barrier 14. At the time of use, the protective cover 18 is removed, exposing the liquid barrier 14 and adhesive 16 which is used to attach the pad body to the crotch of the user's underpants. Note areas 18 a and 18 b. The bottom side of the pad 10 has concave channels 18 a longitudinally and laterally 18 b to give the pad some structural form. The concavity is not extremely pronounced but could be three fourths of an inch to a 1 inch deep in the middle area of the bottom of the pad. The liquid barrier 14 has adhesive 16 attached to a removable protective release sheet 18 that is removed at the time of use so the pad can be attached to the crotch of the user's panties.

FIG. 1 can also be used to describe an alternative embodiment of the invention used as a panty liner 50. The device includes a liquid barrier layer 18 made of cellulose/polyethylene having a protective bottom paper cover 16 to protect an adhesive layer on the liquid barrier layer 16. The panty liner may be constructed of only four layers. Typically the layers include an embossed cotton contoured oval layer 120, a thin cotton wadding contoured oval layer 122, a cellulose/SAF/SAP powder thin layer 124, and a weave cotton contoured oval layer 126 as shown in FIG. 3A. With the panty liner, the four layers of FIG. 3A make up the panty liner plus the liquid barrier as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the front to back and side to side protrusion 12 bb in conjunction with the central raised portion 12 b are sized to slightly penetrate the vaginal opening for maximum absorption, snug fit, and increased comfort.

The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made there from within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. 

1. A sanitary pad comprising a contoured oval shaped, elliptical body having a plurality of thin very pliant cotton layers, and said layers comprising a cotton fleece layer, cotton wadding layer, cellulose/SAF/SAP layer, and a cotton weave layer, said layers being alternately plied a multiplicity of times (approximately 4-5), and in varying degrees of thickness, and said layers being joined together on their outer edges, and a biodegradable cellulose/polyethylene back sheet with adhesive on its underside, and a release paper on said bottom polyethylene layer. 